International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition 2023: Date, Significance, History

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is observed every year on August 23. Observed all over the world, the day commemorates the victims and fighters of transatlantic slave trade and aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice.

The day was initially observed in Haiti on August 23, 1998 and in Senegal on August 23, 1999 and remembered the heroes of Haitian revolution. Later, UNESCO adopted international celebration of the day and now almost every country in the world observes International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition 2023 Date

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition for the next 5 years.

Also check: International Dog Day

Overview

Significance

The night of August 22 to August 23 1791 showed the beginning of Haitian Revolution against the French regime. This was followed by a series of conflicts from 1791 and 1804. These conflicts lead to overthrowing of the French regime by the Africans and their descendants who had been enslaved by them. Through the struggle, the Haitian people ultimately won independence and became the first country to be founded by former slaves.

To signify the struggle of those who fought for abolition of slavery system, August 23 was selected to be observed as International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition.

Check August 2023 special days

History

Over 15 million men, women and children were the victims of the tragic slave trade for more than 400 years. It was one of the darkest chapters in human history and there was a lot of struggle behind abolition of this practice. In honor of those who fought against it, the UNESCO at its 29th session passed a resolution on July 29, 1998. The resolution declared 23 August as the International Day of Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition, to be observed annually.

How is International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition Observed?

The Member States of UNESCO organize events every year on the occasion of International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition. Young people, educators, artists and intellectuals from all parts of world are invited to participate in these events which talks about the cruelness of slavery system and what should be done to abolish these practices.

A number of cultural events and debates are organized by local and national government and other non-government organizations as well. Educational institutions, civil society and other organizations are encouraged to inculcate the lessons of the transatlantic slave trade and communicate the dangers of racism and prejudice among people.

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